Alleyn's School 11+ Entrance Exam Guide
Alleyn's School is an independent school with entry at 11+ into Year 7. This guide explains who can apply, the assessments, how offers are made and how to prepare. We update it whenever the school changes its admissions.
About the school
- A co-educational independent day school in Dulwich, south-east London.
- About 150 Year 7 places; about two-thirds of pupils come from other schools.
Who can apply
- Children in Year 6 (for September 2027 entry, born 1 September 2015 to 31 August 2016), registered by the school's deadline.
- Independent schools have no catchment area. You apply to the school directly, not through your council.
- A registration fee is usually payable (often waived for families on low incomes).
Key dates for September 2027 entry
- Registration: 1 September to midday, Friday 13 November 2026
- Written exams: Friday 8 January 2027 (no other date)
- Group activity and interview (selected pupils): Saturday 23 January 2027
Children now in Year 5: expect similar dates next year. Check the school's page in the spring.
The assessments
Written exams
The school's own papers: English (45 minutes, including a directed writing task), Maths (30 minutes) and verbal, non-verbal and spatial reasoning (45 minutes). Multiple-choice answer sheets are used. The ISEB pre-test is not used.
Interview
Selected pupils take part in a group activity and a one-to-one interview.
How offers are made
Alleyn's makes its own offers. A confidential report is requested from the current school. Check the school's page for the offer date.
Scholarships and bursaries
- Academic (including the Saddlers' Scholarship), Music, Sport, Art, Design and Technology and Drama scholarships.
- Means-tested bursaries up to 100%.
How to help your child prepare
- Written English and Maths. The school sets its own papers. Cover all of Key Stage 2 by the end of Year 5, go further on problem solving, and practise showing maths working clearly.
- Verbal reasoning. Build vocabulary through daily reading, and practise word and code questions.
- Non-verbal reasoning. Practise shapes, patterns and sequences little and often.
- Creative writing. Practise planning and writing a short story or description to a time limit, then checking it.
- Interview. Help your child talk about their interests, the books they read and how they solved a problem. There is no need to learn answers by heart.
- Read every day. Wide reading builds the vocabulary and comprehension every entrance test needs.
- Practice material: The school publishes an English sample paper, two Maths sample papers and a syllabus with reasoning examples.
Common questions from parents
Does Alleyn's use the ISEB pre-test?
No. It sets its own papers.
Can we apply to several schools?
Yes. Many families apply to a few independent schools and grammar schools. Watch the different registration deadlines.
Official information
Always check the school's own pages before making decisions. Dates and arrangements can change each year.
How AshACE can help
AshACE runs small, live online 11+ classes in English, Maths and Reasoning from Year 4, run from Orpington, with over a decade of 11+ teaching. Our Year 6 Masterclasses include preparation for independent school entrance papers. See the classes below, or send us an enquiry.
Sources: Alleyn's School official admissions pages; checked 25 September 2026.